Two Sussex Police officers have been charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm after a member of the public was injured while being detained in hospital.

PC Richard Harris, 36, and PC Lorenzo Fenu, 28, are scheduled to appear at Sevenoaks Magistrates' Court on Tuesday 10 November, jointly charged with the offence following an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

The charge relates to an incident on 16 April 2026, when the officers allegedly used unlawful force on a man who had been detained in hospital under the Mental Health Act, injuring him.

The IOPC began its investigation after a mandatory referral from Sussex Police. Its investigation concluded in September 2026, when it referred a file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service, which authorised the charges.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct investigates the most serious complaints against police in England and Wales, including cases where a person is injured during detention. Forces must refer such cases to the watchdog, which then decides whether to investigate itself and whether to pass a file to prosecutors.

The two constables will make their first appearance at Sevenoaks Magistrates' Court, where the court will deal with plea and the next steps in the case. Assault occasioning actual bodily harm is an either-way offence, meaning it can be heard in the magistrates' court or sent to the Crown Court depending on its seriousness.

The case comes amid continued scrutiny of police use of force against vulnerable people in detention. Both officers remain subject to the court process, and the charge is an allegation at this stage. Source: Independent Office for Police Conduct